Media Room: Media Releases

INSURGENT COMMANDER, MULLAH ABDUL KARIM, KILLED IN ORUZGAN

Australian Forces have removed another insurgent commander from operating in southern Afghanistan. This is an important and positive development in enhancing the security and stability of Oruzgan Province.

Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Mark Evans, today confirmed that Mullah Abdul Karim, along with a number of other insurgents, was killed on Monday, 10 August 2009.

“Mullah Karim was killed during an operation directed against the insurgent network of improvised explosive device operators in Oruzgan Province,” Lieutenant General Evans said.

“Mullah Karim was a tactical-level insurgent commander active in the Khaz Oruzgan area and known to be directly responsible for numerous attacks against Australian and Afghan forces.

“He was also heavily involved in insurgent recruitment in the area and was responsible for the frequent harassment of, and threats against, the local population during the lead-up to the elections.

“This operation, combined with the recent capture of four other key insurgent leaders, is a very positive development and will greatly assist the Afghan government in securing the province. 

“The recent Australian successes against the insurgent improvised explosive device network are a step forward, not only for Australian and Afghan Forces operating in the province, but also for the Afghan people of Oruzgan population who daily face the indiscriminate threat of these devices,” Lieutenant General Evans said.

No civilians were wounded and no Afghan or Australian troops were injured during the combined operation.

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